to or contributed to or published at least one fanzine or have joined a reputable
     fanclub or organization prior to six months before the closing date for nominat-
     ions (in both cases).  This is a matter for the conscience of the fan; the decis-
     ion on any point is the administrator's, and that is final.

     The above are the rules as agreed to by Walt Willis, Ken Bulmer and Bob Madle -
witnessed by Vin Clarke, Joy Clarke, Madelaine Willis and Sandy Sanderson.  They were
explicitly followed in the last election, and they are being just as explicitly
followed this time.  So be it.

     I might add that merely becauee someone attends a meeting or two of a fanclub he
does not automatically become eligible to vote.  It must be proved (if the Administrat-
or should question the ballot) that he is a fan, and not just somebody'a wife or mist-
ress who has no interest in science fiction other than to have a big time with a bunch
of offbeat characters.

     When I arose Wednesday I found waiting for me, in addition to Joy and Vin (Sandy
was uptown - at work, I believe - he's a soldier stationed in London), a letter from
Don Ford.  Don was worried about the reception I was receiving in England, so I immed-
iately sat down and wrote a note to him saying that Dick Eney, himself, couldn't have
received a better or more hoapitable reception.  Yes, TAFF seemed to be in for some
smooth sailing on calm waters during the next two years, thought I.

     Wednesday morning was consumed by long discussions on science fiction and fandom.
Joy is a voracious reader and is more up-to-date on contemporary science fiction than
is Vin.  On the other hand, Vin is an old-time collector and has a collection that
goes back just about to the beginning.  Vin has an excellent memory for the old-time
stuff and we had a good time exchanging comments and views.  As I mentioned in an
earlier chapter, Vin proved himself to be a "sercon" fan - and here I am using my
definition, which is certainly meant to be complimentary.  In fact, Vin is my
definition of "The Compleat Fan" - reader, collector, corresponder, club member,
convention-goer, fanzine writer and fanzine publisher:  I sincerely feel that to be a
100% "Compleat Fan" one muat have participated, to a certain extent, in all the facets
of fandom mentioned above.  However, participation in any one of the facets makes one
a science fiction fan, as far as I'm concerned.

     We spent some time going through the Inchmery fanzine collection, and I came
across a gigantic issue of a fanzine called EYE - 164 pages, with our Vin as editor,
along with Ted Tubb and Stuart Mackenzie.  This must certainly be one of the largest
(if not the largest) fanzine ever published.  I also looked over the early issues of
HYPHEN, many of which I do not have.  The morning flew by rapidly and soon it was time
for another delicious lunch.  The rest of the afternoon, I spent writing up the
convention for "Inside Science Fiction" (the department that appeared in SCIENCE
FICTION QUARTERLY, not Ron Smith's fanzine).

     My typewriter pounding was interrupted by Joy, who excitedly said I had a long
distance call from Leeds.  I dashed downstairs, picked up the phone, and prosaically
said "Hello".  A voice, heavily laden with a cultured British accent said, 'Hello, Bob,
Mike Rosenblum here!"  J. Michael Rosenblum, an old correspondent of mine from pre-war
days, had heard from Ron Bennett that I was going to be in Liverpool over the coming
weekend and suggested that I come over to Leeds (only about 100 miles from Liverpool)
and spend a couple of days with him.  It was certainly a pleasure hearing from someone
out of the dim, distant past and I told Mike I would call him from Liverpool on Satur-
day morning, giving him a definite reply.  J. Michael Rosenblum is one of the real
old-time fans, one who has devoted many years to science fiction, and; like Vin, has
particfpated in all phases of science fiction and fandom,  I would say, however, that
collecting has always been his number one interest - and he had one of the most
extensive collections extant.  But more, much more, about Mike Rosenblum and his
collection will be told in a future chapter.